Thiago Silva speaks out in support of marijuana use in MMA

UFC light heavyweight Thiago Silva will head to the Octagon in about two weeks to try and secure his first win in nearly four years when he faces Rafael Cavalcante at UFC on Fuel 10. Once a potential title-contender, the Brazilian has seen his share of time on the sidelines due to health issues and drug-related suspensions but still remains an intriguing force if able to get his act together.

Silva hasn’t fought since November when a win over Stanislav Nedkov was changed to a No contest due to the 30-year old testing positive for marijuana use. Though Silva has since given up smoking based on the possibility of it costing him another victory, he still advocates its use based on how it effected him outside of the Octagon.

“A lot of guys, they like to drink, you know; I don’t drink, I like to smoke,” admitted Silva in an interview with BJPenn Radio. “I don’t smoke any more, because I really can’t (with my career), but I used to like a lot because it helps me to relax.”

As might be expected, Silva also feels pot is unfairly persecuted by athletic commissions given that it doesn’t necessarily have a direct impact inside the ring like PEDs or stimulants might.

“To be honest, I don’t think it’s fair, you know, because it doesn’t change your performance,” said the 14-3 fighter.

A number of UFC competitors have been popped for smoking weed over the past year including Dave Herman, Matt Riddle, Robbie Peralta, and Pat Healy. In Healy’s case, the infraction also cost him more than $125,000 in bonus money/salary.

In related news, a man convicted of trafficing cocaine speaks out in support of trafficing cocaine.

On a serious note… aren’t pain killers banned, and isn’t marijuana being slowly legalized at the state level because of it’s astonishing pain killing abilities, far beyond what prescription pain killers can do? Does legalizing the “best” pain killer under the argument it does not help one to train make any sense?

In related news, a man convicted of trafficking cocaine speaks out in support of trafficking cocaine.

On a serious note… aren’t pain killers banned, and isn’t marijuana being slowly legalized at the state level because of it’s astonishing pain killing abilities, far beyond what prescription pain killers can do? Does legalizing the “best” pain killer under the argument it does not help one to train make any sense?

If and when you can, please get RID of this RECOMMENDED section.
Who are you recommending the UFC 137 weigh ins to?
I see it changes every time I tune in, but MAN, it’s unnecessary and annoying IMO.
Come on Brendhan, you’re better than this!
Oh , and smoking pot should be a non issue in any sport, IMO.
To penalize an athelete for digging the weed is a crime.
Except for maybe trampolining.
I’d understand pot testing for that.